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Claire Anderton is taking a realistic approach to The Diamond One’s bid for a hat-trick of wins in the Gr.3 White Robe Lodge Stakes on her home track on Saturday.

The Wingatui trainer has been encouraged by the six-year-old’s lead-up form, but realises the mare has to find another length or two to repeat her heroics of the past.

“She has improved with each outing, but as I’ve said before she has got to improve again,” Anderton said.

The Diamond One returned to action after a lengthy break to finish fifth in the Listed Mosgiel Stakes on Boxing Day and then ran second over 1200 metres at Gore, where she gave the winner Querer seven and a half kilos.

“It was eight months between runs and I had a couple of niggles with her before she resumed and 1400 metres would have been better for her last start, but she still acquitted herself really well,” Anderton said.

“She’s looking for a mile and that’s what she gets on Saturday. Daniel Bothamley will ride her again, he gets along really well with her.”

Anderton is also hoping for the well-related Sofia Loren to provide a forerunner to weekend success when she runs in the NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race at Gore on Thursday.

“She’ll have a three kilo claim and she should be competitive,” she said. “She’s got ability and I thought I had her worked out, but she keeps changing the rules. She can be a bit quirky and keeps us on our toes.”

Sofia Loren is a half-sister to the recent Matamata winner and Gr.1 Wellfield NZ Oaks hopeful Sewreel.